Search - Umberto Giordano, National Philharmonic Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly :: Giordano: Andrea Chenier / Pavarotti, Caballé, Nucci, Chailly

The most heroic of verismo operas...

Susan Hernandez | Mesa, AZ | 05/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This opera is one of my all time favorites. The story based on the true life story of French patriot and poet, Andrea Chenier is inspiring both in music and the libretto. (They did invent the romance, but I can forgive them that!) This recording is very good and I can't recommend another that is better. The main strength of this recording is Pavarotti's full voice (in his prime) rendering of Chenier. This is a tenor role that demands great high notes and endurance. The part of Maddelena is aptly handled by Caballe. She as always, has terrific pianissimos to die for, but she sounds a little harsh and old at times on the forte passages and on the low notes. Nucci is a small voiced, dry sounding Gerard, but with such music it is difficult to make it any less than it is. Unless you just sing the wrong notes! Tom Krause is great as Roucher (I would've like to hear him as Gerard!) Riccardo Chailly conducts with power and restraint- his tempos are just right. The real stars of this opera are Illica's beautiful poetic libretto and Giordano's heroic music. I also recommend the video with Carreras and Marton. If you are a movie fan, it may also be of interest that the aria in the movie Philadelphia with Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington contains the aria "La Mamma Morta" from this opera,with Maria Callas instead of Caballe."

No competition!!

skinnyb | Nacogdoches, TX United States | 06/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the ultimate Chenier recording that exists. In this recording, we see the level of dramatic and musical intensity that the composer required of the performers. Pav's rendition of the title role reminds us of how this opera is a great promotional medium for the tenor..(he sings the Improvisso with such deceptive ease and lyricism). Caballe does a satisfactory job at potraying Maddalena de Coigny, she does tend to push every now and then, but it does not distract the listener from the great character delineation that she achieves. Leo Nucci is a satisfying Gerard and does a great job with "Nemico della patria". Over all, the solos are done excellently and the final duet is intensely emotional. Chailly leads the entire crew into a very memorable recording, a very respectable tribute to one of the best verismo operas ever written."

The best

M. H. Perrin Brichambaut | France | 02/01/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A fantastic recording with the best singers for a difficult and not very known opera. A great success !"